Panthers Gudbranson undergoes shoulder surgery

September 10, 2012|Harvey Fialkov, Sun Sentinel

Florida Panthers defenseman Erik Gudbranson underwent successful shoulder surgery last week, after suffering and injury during an informal workout in Saveology.com Iceplex, the team announced on Monday.

In a short written statement, the Panthers said Gudbranson’s surgery, performed Thursday at Doctors Hospital in Miami was a success. Details of the injury were not officially released.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Gudbranson, 20, had a solid rookie season, playing in 72 games while notching two goals and six assists. His minus-19 wasn't indicative of his defensive play or physical presence on the ice which led to his 78 penalty minutes.

Gudbranson, the third overall draft pick in 2010, blossomed in the first-round, seven-game playoff loss against the Devils.

If Gudbranson isn't ready for the scheduled season opener on Oct. 13, the Panthers may accelerate the on-ice growth of one of their other young blue-liners such as Colby Robak or Alex Petrovic. They could start the season with Ed Jovanovski, Brian Campbell, Mike Weaver, Tyson Strachan, Filip Kuba and Keaton Ellerby. Dmitry Kulikov remains unsigned.

Panthers training camp is scheduled to open on Sept. 21 but will most likely be delayed if the labor issues aren't settled by Saturday's expiration of the CBA agreement.